- What made you contest from the UPFA?
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| Thilanga Sumathipala |
It is a time for everyone to rally around the national flag and meet the challenges especially as the war to eliminate terrorism is ending. We need to work together to revive the Western Province and the whole country and take it forward.
- What plans do you have you for the WPC?
We have identified major areas that need attention in the WP. There is a five year plan which will focus on certain areas including education, low income and homeless families, the health sector, youth and sports and infrastructure development. The idea is to get the government sector involved in the programme and make the WP the hub of development not only in the country but also in the whole of Asia.
- Are you aspiring to be the Chief Minister of the WPC?
I am confident I will poll the highest number of preferential votes in the Colombo district. I believe the people will decide I am the most suitable person who can develop the western province. I will accept the responsibility to fulfil their aspirations.
- There are allegations by your political opponents of excesses in your campaign?
I have not heard of such allegations. I am running a professional and lawful campaign. I have never violated any election laws. I am not putting up any posters. I am reaching out to the voters directly, by addressing them in person.
- Are you using the military victories in the north to boost your campaign?
I am concentrating on development activities for the WP. People are aware of the leadership President Mahinda Rajapaksa has given to eliminate terrorism and this credit must be given to him. The President wants the people who have done something, who want to do something and who can do something to be a part of the development efforts that would begin after the war ends.
- You have a high profile campaign. Are you spending a lot on it?
I have a right to do what I am doing. Out of all the candidates of all parties who have come forward to contest for the WPC, I have done the most amount of work. When you look at the other candidates, they don’t have the background and the experience in the public and private sector or held public office like I have. I need to communicate that to the voters so that they can decide who they want to vote for.
- Why should the voters
vote for you?
If they are looking for someone to revive the Western Province, someone who will do what they say and if they want the WP to take the lead in the sphere of development I am the best person.
Shiral Lakthilaka
New kid on the block wants new political culture
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| Shiral Lakthilake |
- Why did you choose to contest from the United National Party (UNP)?
I have been with the UNP since 2001 and was working behind the scenes as a civil society activist. One thing I have noticed in Sri Lanka is that civil society cannot change society as this is a political society. Sri Lanka does not have citizens. It has voters. So we have to get the support of voters and political parties to change the system. The UNP is the best option to contest elections from and enter the political arena.
- What has been your message to the voters of the WPC?
First, I want to change the existing political culture because there is no respect for politicians nor are they taken seriously. This is the prevailing perception among voters. That is why I started out by declaring my assets. From the inception, I have tried to give a different message to the people.
- What made you decide on a voluntary declaration of assets?
As a humanrights activist, when I previously tried to obtain details of assets declaration, it was not easily available to the public. It was kept inside the office of a Returning Officer or the Elections Commissioner or the Secretary General of Parliament. I think it is opportune to give the public and the media access to such details so that at any time they can check assets of elected officials and see how they fare economically while in office.
- The UNP has fared badly in the provincial council polls held so far. Will it be any different in the WPC?
Traditionally the UNP has fared well in the WPC. There is a more urban population in this province and under the UPFA regime it is this segment of society that has been worst effected economically. So I think we have a greater chance of winning this province than any other.
- Is the state machinery working in favour of UPFA candidates?
There is no equal playing field. From the beginning when the government decided to pick and choose the provinces to hold elections, it negated the very principle of representative democracy. The 17th Amendment that provides for the appointment of the independent commissions such as the Elections Commission, the Public Service Commission and the Police Commission has not been implemented. The criteria set for the state media during election time have been ignored. State property is also widely misused. It’s an unfortunate scenario.
- Why should a voter in the western province vote for you?
Because I hope to establish a new political culture and bring professional managerial aspects into politics. |
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